EP4052934B1 - Valve for rubberized wheels with actuating mechanism - Google Patents
Valve for rubberized wheels with actuating mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4052934B1 EP4052934B1 EP22159421.1A EP22159421A EP4052934B1 EP 4052934 B1 EP4052934 B1 EP 4052934B1 EP 22159421 A EP22159421 A EP 22159421A EP 4052934 B1 EP4052934 B1 EP 4052934B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- pin
- valve body
- actuating mechanism
- locking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 37
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000181 Ethylene propylene rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/20—Check valves specially designed for inflatable bodies, e.g. tyres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C29/00—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for
- B60C29/002—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for characterised by particular features of the valve core
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C29/00—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for
- B60C29/005—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for characterised by particular features of the valve stem
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C29/00—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for
- B60C29/02—Connection to rims
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C29/00—Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims; Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, not otherwise provided for
- B60C29/06—Accessories for tyre-inflating valves, e.g. housings, guards, covers for valve caps, locks, not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/18—Check valves with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
- F16K15/182—Check valves with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves with actuating mechanism
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels, in particular of vehicles, where the term “vehicles” means motorcars, vans, motorcycles, and means of transport on tires in general.
- the invention relates to a valve having an inner actuating mechanism for the inflation/deflation of tires, comprising a minimum number of parts and capable of maximizing the flow of air through the valve during the filling and discharging operations.
- Known tire valves of the snap-in or clamp-in type generally consist of a main body, referred to as a valve body or armature, of cylindrical tubular shape which acts as a structural housing for an inner mechanism having the task of connecting the interior of said rubberized wheels to the outside environment and allowing the air to pass, if required.
- the valve body is partially covered by a rubber ring which acts as a sealing gasket when the valve is mounted to the wheel through a hole drilled in the rim.
- valve body in the plastic snap-in valves is made of plastic material, which makes these valves lighter, easily disposable of, and recyclable compared to the conventional valves with valve bodies made of metal material, typically brass or aluminum.
- US 4 171 119 A An example of known plastic snap-in valves is disclosed in US 4 171 119 A , which describes a valve having a valve body made of plastic partially covered by a rubber ring suitably shaped to form the proximal end, or valve head, intended to exit upstream of the rim hole at the installed location.
- the inner mechanism for tire inflation/deflation comprises a sealing pin pushed into the closed position by a spring.
- the valve body in order to place the spring and properly guide the sealing pin, the valve body consists of two separate elements, assembled together to form the valve body. It is noted that the inner mechanism for tire inflation/deflation cannot be removed from the valve except by destroying it beyond repair. Furthermore, in order to allow the tire deflation, the inner mechanism must be kept in an opening condition, either manually or with special tools.
- US2020/070600A1 discloses a valve according to the preamble of independent claim 1.
- a first critical issue of the known valves is the step of assembling the inner inflation/deflation mechanism in the valve body, which is quite complex because of the different components involved.
- valves Another critical issue with known valves is related to how the inner mechanism is opened to allow tire deflation. Indeed, in known valves, it is necessary to hold the opening condition of the inner mechanism either manually or with a special tool for as long as it takes to completely deflate the tire. This makes maintenance operations time-consuming and complex.
- reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels according to the present invention.
- a snap-in type valve is shown in the examples, i.e., of the type being associable with the metal wheel rim by means of elastic snap-in locking means.
- the inner actuating mechanism for tire inflation/deflation according to the present invention is also applicable to other types of valves, because it is independent of how the valve is fixed to the rim.
- the valve 1 is adapted to be mounted to a rim of a rubberized wheel, by elastic snap-in locking means in the case of snap-in type configuration, or a nut (in the case of clamp-in type configuration).
- the valve 1 substantially comprises a valve body 2, also referred to as an armature, an actuating mechanism 3 arranged inside said valve body 2, and a rubber ring 4 adapted to partially cover said valve body 2.
- the valve 1 comprises a head 11 arranged at a proximal end with respect to a rim at the installed position.
- a closing and protecting cap 7 is screwed to cover a distal opening 131 at the opposite end, referred to as the distal end 13.
- the distal end 13 of the valve 1 is insertable through a hole in the rim while the proximal end 12, and in particular the head 11 provided with a proximal opening 121, is intended to be engaged in said hole for fixing the valve in place on the rim.
- the valve body 2 shown in detail in figures 3a and 3b , is cylindrical in shape, is axially hollow, and is adapted to connect the interior of a rubberized wheel to the outside environment and to allow air and a possible tire repair fluid to pass.
- valve body 2 is in one piece.
- the valve body 2 has an outer surface 20" with cylindrical symmetry and an inner surface 20' with cylindrical symmetry.
- valve body 2 is partially covered by a rubber ring 4 which acts as a sealing gasket when the valve 1 is mounted to the wheel.
- the valve body 2 extends into the rubber ring 4 over the entire longitudinal extension of the valve 1, i.e., up to the proximal end 12.
- the valve body 2 comprises a distal portion 23 which defines the distal end 13 of the valve 1, and a proximal portion 22 which at least partially defines the proximal end 12 of the valve 1.
- the distal portion 23 of the valve body 2 has, at the free end thereof, an outer thread 71 to receive the closing cap 7 and to be coupled to the inflation systems.
- the distal portion 23 comprises a circumferentially protruding backing element 25 just before the beginning of the proximal portion 22, and thus in a substantially central position of the valve body 2.
- the proximal portion 22 of the valve body 2 is adapted to be covered by the rubber ring 4, and thus to be embedded therein.
- the proximal portion 22 comprises, at the free end, a body head 24 circumferentially protruding from the valve body 2 and having the largest diameter of the whole remaining valve body 2.
- the body head 24 is fully embedded in the rubber ring 4, without axially protruding underneath it.
- the rubber ring 4 thus completely covers the proximal portion 22 of the valve body 2.
- the rubber ring 4 comprises a distal portion 43 and a proximal portion 42 which at least partially defines the proximal end 12 of the valve 1.
- the proximal portion 42 of the rubber ring 4 comprises, at the free end thereof, a circumferentially protruding ring head 44 having the largest diameter of the whole remaining rubber ring 4.
- the proximal portion 42 of the rubber ring 4 comprises, downstream of the ring head 44, an annular groove 45 adapted to accommodate the edge of the rim hole.
- the outer surface 20" of the valve body 2 intended to be covered by the rubber ring 4 comprises a plurality of annular ribs 6 to facilitate the retention of the rubber ring 4 on the valve body 2 and promote the pressure sealing. Indeed, in order to obtain the valve 1, the valve body 2 must be inserted into the rubber ring 4, so that the proximal portion 22 of the valve body 2 is completely covered by the rubber ring 4.
- valve body 2 The inner portion of the valve body 2, and in particular the inner surface 20' thereof shown in figure 3a , intended to cooperate with the actuating mechanism 3 for the tire inflation/deflation according to the present invention, will now be described in detail.
- the distal portion 23 of the valve body 2, in which an elastic thrust element 32 of the actuating mechanism 3 is housed, has a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter at the proximal portion 22.
- a preferably frustoconical sealing seat 221 is defined, in which a sealing ring 33 of the actuating mechanism 3 is housed.
- the valve sealing is obtained underneath the annular groove 45 and thus inside the tire.
- the preferably frustoconical sealing seat 221 in which a sealing ring 33 of the actuating mechanism 3 is housed, is positioned substantially in the center of the valve body 2.
- the valve sealing is obtained above the annular groove 45 and thus outside the tire.
- a shaped passageway 8 shown in figures 3b and 3c , is provided to allow selectively the axial sliding or axial locking of a pin 31 of the actuating mechanism 3.
- the shaped passageway 8 comprises a pair of locking teeth 81, which internally protrude and face each other.
- Each locking tooth 81 defines an upper abutment surface 832, facing the distal portion 23, and a lower abutment surface 831, facing the proximal portion 22.
- the upper abutment surface 832 provides an axial backing element for an elastic thrust element 32 of the actuating mechanism 3.
- the lower abutment surface 831 provides an axial backing element for a pin 31 of the actuating mechanism 3 during the opening step or for keeping the mechanism open.
- the shaped passageway 8 comprises, underneath the pair of locking teeth 81, in the direction of the proximal portion 22, at least one pair of body grooves 82 obtained on the inner surface 20'.
- body grooves 82 are provided evenly distributed along the inner circumference of the valve body 2.
- said body grooves 82 are axially offset with respect to the locking teeth 81. The presence of the body grooves 82 allows increasing the free space through the valve body 2, thus maximizing the flow of air through the valve 1 during the filling or discharging step.
- an actuating mechanism 3 for inflating/deflating the tire according to the present invention will now be described in detail.
- Such an actuating mechanism 3 can be created in a long variant as in figure 4a and a short variant as in figure 9 .
- the sealing seat 221 of the valve body 2 is at the proximal end 12 and the pin 31 of the actuating mechanism 3 extends from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 13.
- the sealing seat 221 of the valve body 2 is retracted with respect to the proximal end 12 and the pin 31 of the actuating mechanism 3 extends from the proximal end 12 and ends before the distal end 13.
- the sealing seat 221 of the valve body 2 is arranged longitudinally above the annular groove 45 in which the tire rim is inserted.
- the actuating mechanism 3 comprises a pin 31 at a distal end of which an elastic element 32 is fitted, such as an axial spring, and a sealing ring 33 is arranged at an opposite proximal end.
- the pin 31 comprises a distal zone 313 provided with a gripping portion 316 which allows gripping the pin itself through the distal opening 131 of the valve 1, using a suitable tool described later.
- the gripping portion 316 is provided with an upper axial coupling protuberance 316' also adapted to guide and center the tool described below.
- the distal zone 313 is provided with a backing element 311 which defines at least one abutment surface 311' for the elastic thrust element 32.
- the pin 31 comprises a paddle-like portion 9 arranged at the distal zone 313, which forms the gripping portion 316 at the front and the backing element 311 and the abutment surfaces 311' thereof at the bottom.
- the pin 31 comprises a proximal zone 312 provided with a housing 314, such as an annular groove, in which the sealing ring 33 is snap-engageable.
- the pin body 315 is centrally provided with at least one locking housing 317 adapted to engage at least one locking tooth 81 of the shaped passageway 8 defined inside the valve body 2.
- the locking housing 317 is a hook-shaped or U-shaped protrusion arranged on a narrow side S" of the pin body 315.
- a pair of locking housings 317 is provided to obtain a bayonet coupling with the pair of locking teeth 81.
- the pin body 315 is provided with a pin groove 318, obtained on the outer pin surface 31".
- a pin groove 318 is provided in line underneath the two locking housings 317.
- the presence of the pin grooves 318 allows increasing the free space through the valve body 2, thus maximizing the flow of air through the valve 1 during the filling or discharging step.
- the presence of the pin grooves 318 allows avoiding an accumulation of plastic material when molding the valve body 2, which could compromise the geometry thereof due to phenomena such as suctions or deformations of the piece after molding.
- the elastic thrust element 32 When the actuating mechanism 3 is inserted into the valve body 2, as shown in figure 1b , the elastic thrust element 32 is fitted on the pin 31 and compressed between the backing element 311 of the pin itself and the upper abutment surface 832 of the locking teeth 81 of the shaped passageway 8 within the valve body 2. The elastic element 32 thus compressed applies a thrust to the pin 31 in the distal direction to press the sealing ring 33 of the actuating mechanism 3 against the sealing seat 221 within the valve body 2, to close the inner passageway of the valve 1, as shown in figure 5b .
- the opening of the valve 1 is achieved by pushing the pin 31 in the opposite direction with respect to the elastic element 32, i.e., in the proximal direction to move the sealing ring 33 away from the sealing seat 221 within the valve body 2, when opening the inner passageway of the valve 1, as shown in figure 6b .
- a pushing and rotating tool 6 for example, commonly used in tire shops, and depicted in figure 7 .
- a pushing and rotating tool 6 for example, commonly used in tire shops, and depicted in figure 7 .
- a pushing and rotating tool 6 for example, commonly used in tire shops, and depicted in figure 7 .
- Such a tool in the form of a screwdriver, comprises a cylindrical body 61 provided at one end with a handle 62 and at an opposite end with a U-shaped tip 63 provided with a cylindrical inner chamber 64 at the bottom of the U. Therefore, the pin 31 of the actuating mechanism 3 is designed such that the gripping portion 316 has a profile which is insertable into the shaped tip 63 of the tool 6, and that the upper protuberance 316' can be easily inserted into the inner chamber 64 of the tool 6.
- the valve 1 is a plastic valve provided with a valve body 2 totally made of plastic material, a rubber sealing ring 4, and an actuating mechanism 3 in which the pin 31 is totally made of plastic material, the sealing ring 33 is made of rubber, and the elastic element 32 is the only metal element.
- the elastic element 32 may be also totally made of plastic material.
- the rubber ring 4 is made of ethylene-propylene rubber, preferably EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer).
- EPDM Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer
- the rubber ring 4 is made of 100% EPDM rubber.
- a valve 1 according to the present invention is found to be simple in construction and easy to assemble due to the particular actuating mechanism arranged within said valve body.
- valve 1 equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, the flow of air through the valve during the filling or discharging operations has been maximized.
- valve 1 equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, it is not necessary to maintain manually, or with special tools, the opening condition of the internal mechanism for as long as it is necessary to completely deflate the tire, thus simplifying the maintenance operations. Such operations also do not require the inner mechanism to be removed and then mounted back into the valve, as is the case with normally used valves, thus reducing the risk of contamination thereof.
- valve 1 equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, the inner inflation/deflation mechanism can be removed, thus making it entirely replaceable.
- the inner inflation/deflation mechanism can be easily removed allowing the recycling of the various valve components.
- both the pin 31 and the valve body 2 can be molded from plastic using uncomplex molds as no threads or undercuts are provided, for example.
Description
- The present invention relates to a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels, in particular of vehicles, where the term "vehicles" means motorcars, vans, motorcycles, and means of transport on tires in general.
- Specifically, the invention relates to a valve having an inner actuating mechanism for the inflation/deflation of tires, comprising a minimum number of parts and capable of maximizing the flow of air through the valve during the filling and discharging operations.
- Known tire valves of the snap-in or clamp-in type generally consist of a main body, referred to as a valve body or armature, of cylindrical tubular shape which acts as a structural housing for an inner mechanism having the task of connecting the interior of said rubberized wheels to the outside environment and allowing the air to pass, if required. The valve body is partially covered by a rubber ring which acts as a sealing gasket when the valve is mounted to the wheel through a hole drilled in the rim.
- The valve body in the plastic snap-in valves is made of plastic material, which makes these valves lighter, easily disposable of, and recyclable compared to the conventional valves with valve bodies made of metal material, typically brass or aluminum.
- An example of known plastic snap-in valves is disclosed in
US 4 171 119 A , which describes a valve having a valve body made of plastic partially covered by a rubber ring suitably shaped to form the proximal end, or valve head, intended to exit upstream of the rim hole at the installed location. The inner mechanism for tire inflation/deflation comprises a sealing pin pushed into the closed position by a spring. In such a known valve, in order to place the spring and properly guide the sealing pin, the valve body consists of two separate elements, assembled together to form the valve body. It is noted that the inner mechanism for tire inflation/deflation cannot be removed from the valve except by destroying it beyond repair. Furthermore, in order to allow the tire deflation, the inner mechanism must be kept in an opening condition, either manually or with special tools.US2020/070600A1 discloses a valve according to the preamble of independent claim 1. - All of these aspects, which are common for today's known plastic valves, have some disadvantages.
- A first critical issue of the known valves is the step of assembling the inner inflation/deflation mechanism in the valve body, which is quite complex because of the different components involved.
- Furthermore, a high structural complexity and a large number of inner components does not allow maximizing the flow of air through the valve during the inflation or deflation operations. This results in long tire inflation/deflation times.
- Another critical issue with known valves is related to how the inner mechanism is opened to allow tire deflation. Indeed, in known valves, it is necessary to hold the opening condition of the inner mechanism either manually or with a special tool for as long as it takes to completely deflate the tire. This makes maintenance operations time-consuming and complex.
- Another critical issue with known valves is related to the inability to remove the inner inflation/deflation mechanism. Replacements of the inner mechanism alone are thus unthinkable.
- An additional critical issue of known valves is related to the difficulty of removing the inner inflation/deflation mechanism, even by completely destroying the valve. In such plastic valves, where the only metal element is the spring, any attempts to recycle are quite long and tiring.
- Therefore, in the field of valves for the inflation of rubberized wheel tires, there is a need for a valve provided with a new inner inflation/deflation mechanism capable of overcoming the limitations of the known valves and meeting the needs of the industry.
- Such an object is achieved by a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels according to claim 1. Other embodiments of the valve according to the invention are described in the following claims.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more comprehensible from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof given by way of preferred, non-limiting example, in which:
-
figure 1a shows a front view of a valve for the inflation of rubberized wheel tires, having an inner actuating mechanism for inflating/deflating the tire according to the present invention; -
figure 1b shows a partial section front view of the valve infigure 1a after the removal of the upper cap; -
figure 2 shows an exploded view of the valve infigure 1a , where the components of the actuating mechanism according to the present invention can be seen; -
figure 3a shows a section view of a component of the valve infigure 2 , specifically of the valve body; -
figures 3b and 3c show a top view and a bottom view of the valve body infigure 3a , respectively; -
figure 4a shows an axonometric view of a component of the actuating mechanism, specifically of a sealing pin; -
figures 4b and 4c show a side view and a front view of the component infigure 4a , respectively; -
figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show a partial section front view, a section view rotated by 180°, and a bottom view of the valve infigure 1a in a closing condition, respectively; -
figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show a partial section front view, a section view rotated 180°, and a bottom view of the valve infigure 1a in an opening condition, respectively; -
figure 7 shows a common tool for pushing and/or rotating the pin of the actuating mechanism; -
figure 8 shows a section view of a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels, provided with an inner actuating mechanism for inflating/deflating the tire according to the present invention, in a further embodiment; -
figure 9 shows an axonometric view of a component of the actuating mechanism of the valve infigure 8 , specifically of a sealing pin. - With reference to the aforesaid figures, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a valve for inflating tires of rubberized wheels according to the present invention.
- A snap-in type valve is shown in the examples, i.e., of the type being associable with the metal wheel rim by means of elastic snap-in locking means. However, it is clarified that the inner actuating mechanism for tire inflation/deflation according to the present invention is also applicable to other types of valves, because it is independent of how the valve is fixed to the rim.
- The valve 1 is adapted to be mounted to a rim of a rubberized wheel, by elastic snap-in locking means in the case of snap-in type configuration, or a nut (in the case of clamp-in type configuration).
- The valve 1 substantially comprises a
valve body 2, also referred to as an armature, anactuating mechanism 3 arranged inside saidvalve body 2, and arubber ring 4 adapted to partially cover saidvalve body 2. - The valve 1 comprises a
head 11 arranged at a proximal end with respect to a rim at the installed position. A closing and protectingcap 7 is screwed to cover adistal opening 131 at the opposite end, referred to as thedistal end 13. Thedistal end 13 of the valve 1 is insertable through a hole in the rim while theproximal end 12, and in particular thehead 11 provided with aproximal opening 121, is intended to be engaged in said hole for fixing the valve in place on the rim. - The
valve body 2, shown in detail infigures 3a and 3b , is cylindrical in shape, is axially hollow, and is adapted to connect the interior of a rubberized wheel to the outside environment and to allow air and a possible tire repair fluid to pass. - Preferably, the
valve body 2 is in one piece. - The
valve body 2 has anouter surface 20" with cylindrical symmetry and an inner surface 20' with cylindrical symmetry. - The
valve body 2 is partially covered by arubber ring 4 which acts as a sealing gasket when the valve 1 is mounted to the wheel. Preferably, thevalve body 2 extends into therubber ring 4 over the entire longitudinal extension of the valve 1, i.e., up to theproximal end 12. - The
valve body 2 comprises adistal portion 23 which defines thedistal end 13 of the valve 1, and aproximal portion 22 which at least partially defines theproximal end 12 of the valve 1. - The
distal portion 23 of thevalve body 2 has, at the free end thereof, anouter thread 71 to receive theclosing cap 7 and to be coupled to the inflation systems. Preferably, thedistal portion 23 comprises a circumferentially protrudingbacking element 25 just before the beginning of theproximal portion 22, and thus in a substantially central position of thevalve body 2. - The
proximal portion 22 of thevalve body 2 is adapted to be covered by therubber ring 4, and thus to be embedded therein. Theproximal portion 22 comprises, at the free end, abody head 24 circumferentially protruding from thevalve body 2 and having the largest diameter of the wholeremaining valve body 2. - Preferably, as shown in
figure 1b , thebody head 24 is fully embedded in therubber ring 4, without axially protruding underneath it. Therubber ring 4 thus completely covers theproximal portion 22 of thevalve body 2. - The
rubber ring 4 comprises adistal portion 43 and aproximal portion 42 which at least partially defines theproximal end 12 of the valve 1. - The
proximal portion 42 of therubber ring 4 comprises, at the free end thereof, a circumferentially protrudingring head 44 having the largest diameter of the whole remainingrubber ring 4. - The
proximal portion 42 of therubber ring 4 comprises, downstream of thering head 44, anannular groove 45 adapted to accommodate the edge of the rim hole. - The
outer surface 20" of thevalve body 2 intended to be covered by therubber ring 4 comprises a plurality ofannular ribs 6 to facilitate the retention of therubber ring 4 on thevalve body 2 and promote the pressure sealing. Indeed, in order to obtain the valve 1, thevalve body 2 must be inserted into therubber ring 4, so that theproximal portion 22 of thevalve body 2 is completely covered by therubber ring 4. - The inner portion of the
valve body 2, and in particular the inner surface 20' thereof shown infigure 3a , intended to cooperate with theactuating mechanism 3 for the tire inflation/deflation according to the present invention, will now be described in detail. - The
distal portion 23 of thevalve body 2, in which anelastic thrust element 32 of theactuating mechanism 3 is housed, has a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter at theproximal portion 22. - In the example in
figures 1 to 7 , at the end of theproximal portion 22, just before theproximal opening 121 of the valve 1, a preferably frustoconical sealingseat 221 is defined, in which asealing ring 33 of theactuating mechanism 3 is housed. In such a solution, the valve sealing is obtained underneath theannular groove 45 and thus inside the tire. - In the example in
figures 8 and 9 , the preferably frustoconical sealingseat 221, in which asealing ring 33 of theactuating mechanism 3 is housed, is positioned substantially in the center of thevalve body 2. In such a solution, the valve sealing is obtained above theannular groove 45 and thus outside the tire. - In a central position of the
valve body 2, i.e., at the joining area between theproximal portion 22 and thedistal portion 23, a shapedpassageway 8, shown infigures 3b and 3c , is provided to allow selectively the axial sliding or axial locking of apin 31 of theactuating mechanism 3. The shapedpassageway 8 comprises a pair of lockingteeth 81, which internally protrude and face each other. Each lockingtooth 81 defines anupper abutment surface 832, facing thedistal portion 23, and alower abutment surface 831, facing theproximal portion 22. Theupper abutment surface 832 provides an axial backing element for anelastic thrust element 32 of theactuating mechanism 3. Thelower abutment surface 831 provides an axial backing element for apin 31 of theactuating mechanism 3 during the opening step or for keeping the mechanism open. - Preferably, the shaped
passageway 8 comprises, underneath the pair of lockingteeth 81, in the direction of theproximal portion 22, at least one pair ofbody grooves 82 obtained on the inner surface 20'. Preferably, fourbody grooves 82 are provided evenly distributed along the inner circumference of thevalve body 2. Preferably, saidbody grooves 82 are axially offset with respect to the lockingteeth 81. The presence of thebody grooves 82 allows increasing the free space through thevalve body 2, thus maximizing the flow of air through the valve 1 during the filling or discharging step. - An
actuating mechanism 3 for inflating/deflating the tire according to the present invention will now be described in detail. Such anactuating mechanism 3 can be created in a long variant as infigure 4a and a short variant as infigure 9 .
In the long-variant embodiment shown infigure 4a , the sealingseat 221 of thevalve body 2 is at theproximal end 12 and thepin 31 of theactuating mechanism 3 extends from theproximal end 12 to thedistal end 13.
In the short-variant embodiment shown infigures 8 and 9 , the sealingseat 221 of thevalve body 2 is retracted with respect to theproximal end 12 and thepin 31 of theactuating mechanism 3 extends from theproximal end 12 and ends before thedistal end 13. In particular, the sealingseat 221 of thevalve body 2 is arranged longitudinally above theannular groove 45 in which the tire rim is inserted. - The
actuating mechanism 3 comprises apin 31 at a distal end of which anelastic element 32 is fitted, such as an axial spring, and a sealingring 33 is arranged at an opposite proximal end. - The
pin 31 comprises adistal zone 313 provided with agripping portion 316 which allows gripping the pin itself through thedistal opening 131 of the valve 1, using a suitable tool described later. Preferably, the grippingportion 316 is provided with an upper axial coupling protuberance 316' also adapted to guide and center the tool described below. - The
distal zone 313 is provided with abacking element 311 which defines at least one abutment surface 311' for theelastic thrust element 32. - Preferably, the
pin 31 comprises a paddle-like portion 9 arranged at thedistal zone 313, which forms the grippingportion 316 at the front and thebacking element 311 and the abutment surfaces 311' thereof at the bottom. - The
pin 31 comprises aproximal zone 312 provided with ahousing 314, such as an annular groove, in which the sealingring 33 is snap-engageable. - A
pin body 315 characterized by a flattened section, preferably substantially polygonal, with a pair of flattened sides S' and a pair of narrow sides S" is defined between thedistal zone 313 and theproximal zone 312. Such a solution allows leaving a wide free space through thevalve body 2, thus maximizing the flow of air through the valve 1 during the filling or discharging step. - The
pin body 315 is centrally provided with at least one lockinghousing 317 adapted to engage at least one lockingtooth 81 of the shapedpassageway 8 defined inside thevalve body 2. Preferably, the lockinghousing 317 is a hook-shaped or U-shaped protrusion arranged on a narrow side S" of thepin body 315. Preferably, a pair of lockinghousings 317 is provided to obtain a bayonet coupling with the pair of lockingteeth 81. - Preferably, underneath the locking
housing 317, in the direction of thedistal zone 313, thepin body 315 is provided with apin groove 318, obtained on theouter pin surface 31". Preferably, two opposingpin slots 318 are provided in line underneath the two lockinghousings 317. The presence of thepin grooves 318 allows increasing the free space through thevalve body 2, thus maximizing the flow of air through the valve 1 during the filling or discharging step. Furthermore, the presence of thepin grooves 318 allows avoiding an accumulation of plastic material when molding thevalve body 2, which could compromise the geometry thereof due to phenomena such as suctions or deformations of the piece after molding. - When the
actuating mechanism 3 is inserted into thevalve body 2, as shown infigure 1b , theelastic thrust element 32 is fitted on thepin 31 and compressed between thebacking element 311 of the pin itself and theupper abutment surface 832 of the lockingteeth 81 of the shapedpassageway 8 within thevalve body 2. Theelastic element 32 thus compressed applies a thrust to thepin 31 in the distal direction to press the sealingring 33 of theactuating mechanism 3 against the sealingseat 221 within thevalve body 2, to close the inner passageway of the valve 1, as shown infigure 5b . - The opening of the valve 1 is achieved by pushing the
pin 31 in the opposite direction with respect to theelastic element 32, i.e., in the proximal direction to move the sealingring 33 away from the sealingseat 221 within thevalve body 2, when opening the inner passageway of the valve 1, as shown infigure 6b . - If a rotation of the
pin 31 is added in addition to the push in the proximal direction, it is possible to lock the valve 1 in the opening condition. Indeed, by pushing and rotating thepin 31, the lockingteeth 81 of the shapedpassageway 8, in particular the lower abutment surfaces 831 thereof, insert into the lockinghousings 317 of thepin 31, thus obtaining a bayonet coupling. Therefore, advantageously, it is not necessary to maintain any pressure on thepin 31 during the deflating step. In order to reclose the valve 1, it will be sufficient to push and rotate thepin 31 in the opposite direction, freeing the lockingteeth 81 of the shapedpassageway 8 from the lockinghousings 317 of thepin 31. - Therefore, it is possible to lock the valve 1 in an opening condition, and the unlock it to restore the closing condition, by acting on the
pin 31 by means of a pushing androtating tool 6, for example, commonly used in tire shops, and depicted infigure 7 . Such a tool, in the form of a screwdriver, comprises acylindrical body 61 provided at one end with ahandle 62 and at an opposite end with aU-shaped tip 63 provided with a cylindricalinner chamber 64 at the bottom of the U. Therefore, thepin 31 of theactuating mechanism 3 is designed such that the grippingportion 316 has a profile which is insertable into the shapedtip 63 of thetool 6, and that the upper protuberance 316' can be easily inserted into theinner chamber 64 of thetool 6. Unlike the known valves, there is no need to maintain the thrust on thepin 31 to allow the deflation of the tire. Indeed, it is sufficient to activate the bayonet lock described above using thetool 6, which can then be removed during the entire deflation step. - In order to mount the
actuating mechanism 3 inside thevalve body 2, it is necessary to: - fit the
elastic thrust element 32 onto thepin 31 from theproximal area 312; - insert the
pin 31 with theelastic element 32, starting from theproximal side 312, into thevalve body 2 through thedistal opening 131; - push the
pin 31 into thevalve body 2, compressing theelastic element 32, until theproximal area 312 thereof provided with thehousing 314 comes out of theproximal opening 121 of thevalve body 2; - fit the sealing
ring 33 on thepin 31, starting from theproximal zone 312, inserting it into thehousing 314 thereof; - let the
pin 31 go freely, which will bring the valve to the closing condition by pushing theelastic element 32. - In order to disassemble the
actuating mechanism 3 from thevalve body 2, it is sufficient to: - push the
pin 31 into thevalve body 2, compressing thespring element 32, until theproximal area 312 thereof on which the sealingring 33 is fixed comes out; - remove the sealing
ring 33 by cutting it or tearing it or pulling it out of thehousing 314 thereof; alternatively, the rear portion of thepin 31 may be cut off once out of theopening 121; - extract the
pin 31, with theelastic element 32 fitted thereon, from thevalve body 2 through thedistal opening 131 of thevalve body 2 and thus easily separate thespring element 32 from thepin 31. - Preferably, the valve 1 is a plastic valve provided with a
valve body 2 totally made of plastic material, arubber sealing ring 4, and anactuating mechanism 3 in which thepin 31 is totally made of plastic material, the sealingring 33 is made of rubber, and theelastic element 32 is the only metal element. However, it is not excluded that theelastic element 32 may be also totally made of plastic material. - Preferably, the
rubber ring 4 is made of ethylene-propylene rubber, preferably EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer). Preferably, therubber ring 4 is made of 100% EPDM rubber. - Innovatively, a valve 1 according to the present invention is found to be simple in construction and easy to assemble due to the particular actuating mechanism arranged within said valve body.
- Advantageously, in the valve 1 according to the present invention, equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, the flow of air through the valve during the filling or discharging operations has been maximized.
- Advantageously, in the valve 1 according to the present invention, equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, it is not necessary to maintain manually, or with special tools, the opening condition of the internal mechanism for as long as it is necessary to completely deflate the tire, thus simplifying the maintenance operations. Such operations also do not require the inner mechanism to be removed and then mounted back into the valve, as is the case with normally used valves, thus reducing the risk of contamination thereof.
- Advantageously, in the valve 1 according to the present invention, equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, the inner inflation/deflation mechanism can be removed, thus making it entirely replaceable.
- Advantageously, in the valve 1 according to the present invention, equipped with the particular actuating mechanism described above, the inner inflation/deflation mechanism can be easily removed allowing the recycling of the various valve components.
- Advantageously, both the
pin 31 and thevalve body 2 can be molded from plastic using uncomplex molds as no threads or undercuts are provided, for example. - Those skilled in the art can make many changes and variations to the valve described above, all contained within the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.
Claims (12)
- A valve (1) for rubberized wheels, having a proximal end (12) for the connection with a rubberized wheel and an opposite distal end (13), said valve (1) comprising:- a hollow valve body (2) of cylindrical shape, adapted to connect the interior of said rubberized wheel to the outside environment and allow air to pass, said valve body (2) internally defining a sealing seat (221);- an actuating mechanism (3) of said valve (1) arranged inside the valve body (2), and comprising a pin (31) with a distal zone (313) on which an elastic element (32) is fitted, and with a proximal zone (312) on which a sealing ring (33) is arranged, adapted to sealingly close the sealing seat (221) of the valve body (2) in a closing configuration in which the air is prevented from passing through said valve body (2);- a rubber ring (4) adapted to partially cover the valve body (2);characterized in that by applying a thrust in the proximal direction and a rotation to the pin (31), at least one locking tooth (81) arranged inside the valve body (2) is inserted into at least one locking housing (317) arranged on the pin (31), thus locking said pin inside the valve body (2) in an opening configuration in which the sealing ring (33) is separated from the sealing seat (221) to allow air or repair fluids to pass through said valve body (2).
- A valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein:- the valve body (2) is internally provided with a shaped passageway (8) comprising the at least one locking tooth (81) with a lower abutment surface (831) which provides an axial backing element for the pin (31) of the actuating mechanism (3);- the pin (31) comprises the at least one locking housing (317) adapted to engage the at least one locking tooth (81) of the shaped passageway (8).
- A valve (1) according to claim 2, wherein the locking housing (317) is hook-shaped or U-shaped to form a bayonet coupling with the at least one locking tooth (81) of the valve body (2).
- A valve (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the shaped passageway (8) comprises, underneath the at least one locking tooth (81), at least one body groove (82) axially offset with respect to said locking tooth (81), and/or
wherein the pin (31) comprises, underneath the at least one locking housing (317), at least one pin groove (318) in line with said locking housing (317). - A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the valve body (2) is internally provided with a shaped passageway (8) comprising the at least one locking tooth (81) with an upper abutment surface (832) which provides a lower backing element for the elastic element (32) of the actuating mechanism (3);- the pin (31) comprises at least one backing element (311) with an abutment surface (311'), which provides an upper backing element for the elastic element (32) of the actuating mechanism (3).
- A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (31) distally comprises a paddle-like portion (9) which forms a gripping portion (316) at the front and an upper backing element (311') at the bottom for the elastic element (32) of the actuating mechanism (3).
- A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (31) proximally comprises a housing (314), in the shape of an annular groove, in which the sealing ring (33) is snap-engaged.
- A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin (31) is provided with a pin body (315) having a substantially polygonal section.
- A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the valve body (2) and the pin (31) of the actuating mechanism (3) are made of plastic, and the rubber ring (4) and the sealing ring (33) of the actuating mechanism (3) are made of rubber.
- A valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing seat (221) of the valve body (2) is at the proximal end (12) and the pin (31) of the actuating mechanism (3) extends from the proximal end (12) to the distal end (13).
- A valve (1) according to any one of claims from 1 to 9, wherein the sealing seat (221) of the valve body (2) is retracted with respect to the proximal end (12), and the pin (31) of the actuating mechanism (3) extends from the proximal end (12) and ends before the distal end (13) .
- A valve (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sealing seat (221) is arranged longitudinally above an annular groove (45) of the rubber ring (4) intended to accommodate a rubberized wheel.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT102021000005231A IT202100005231A1 (en) | 2021-03-05 | 2021-03-05 | TIRE WHEEL VALVE WITH NEW OPERATING MECHANISM |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4052934A1 EP4052934A1 (en) | 2022-09-07 |
EP4052934B1 true EP4052934B1 (en) | 2024-01-10 |
EP4052934C0 EP4052934C0 (en) | 2024-01-10 |
Family
ID=76034957
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22159421.1A Active EP4052934B1 (en) | 2021-03-05 | 2022-03-01 | Valve for rubberized wheels with actuating mechanism |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4052934B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115013569A (en) |
IT (1) | IT202100005231A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3368603A (en) * | 1966-03-30 | 1968-02-13 | Scovill Manufacturing Co | Valve stem for tubeless tires and the like |
US4171119A (en) | 1977-10-25 | 1979-10-16 | Lamson William C | Fluid flow valve stem |
IT1153281B (en) * | 1982-10-21 | 1987-01-14 | Bridgeport Brass Spa | IMPROVED INTERNAL PART FOR VALVE SUITABLE TO BE APPLIED ON PNEUMATIC ITEMS |
US6786131B2 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2004-09-07 | Lung-Po Tsai | Valve used for an inflatable article |
CN204664516U (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2015-09-23 | 林志远 | A kind of gas charging valve |
FR3066437B1 (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2021-04-09 | Schrader | IMPROVED TIRE INFLATION VALVE |
US11085549B1 (en) * | 2019-03-26 | 2021-08-10 | Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd. | Valve |
-
2021
- 2021-03-05 IT IT102021000005231A patent/IT202100005231A1/en unknown
-
2022
- 2022-03-01 EP EP22159421.1A patent/EP4052934B1/en active Active
- 2022-03-07 CN CN202210216955.5A patent/CN115013569A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4052934A1 (en) | 2022-09-07 |
CN115013569A (en) | 2022-09-06 |
IT202100005231A1 (en) | 2022-09-05 |
EP4052934C0 (en) | 2024-01-10 |
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